When is cotton grown and in which season?

Cotton is a warm-season crop that requires a long, frost-free period with plenty of heat and sunshine.¹ It is typically grown as an annual crop (replanted every year).²

Because it requires specific temperatures to germinate and mature, the exact months for planting and harvesting depend on which side of the equator the farm is located.

1. The General Rule: Spring to Autumn³

Regardless of location, cotton follows this seasonal pattern:

• Planting: Happens in Spring once the soil is warm enough (usually above 60°F / 15°C).⁴

• Growing: The plant develops through the hot Summer months.⁵

• Harvesting: Takes place in Autumn (Fall) when the weather is dry.

2. Specific Months by Hemisphere

3. Duration: How Long Does It Take?

The entire cycle from seed to harvest takes approximately 150 to 180 days (about 5 to 6 months).⁶

4. The Growth Stages

To understand why it is grown in these seasons, it helps to look at the plant’s timeline:

1. Germination (Days 1–10): Seeds are planted in warm spring soil.⁷ If it is too cold, the seeds will rot.

2. Square Formation (Days 35–45): “Squares” are the flower buds.⁸ The plant needs consistent warmth to produce these.

3. Flowering (Days 50–70): Creamy white or yellow flowers appear, turn pink/red after pollination, and then fall off, leaving behind a small green pod called a “boll.”⁹

4. Boll Development (Days 70–140): This is the critical summer phase. The boll grows and fills with moist fibers.¹⁰ The plant needs plenty of water during this stage.¹¹

5. Opening & Maturity (Days 140+): As autumn approaches, the bolls dry out and split open, revealing the fluffy white cotton.¹² Farmers need dry weather during this time because rain can ruin the fiber quality.¹³